Abstract: An array of light valves switch light by enabling and disabling total internal reflection (TIR) on a surface of the light valve. The disabling of the TIR is accomplished by putting another optical element in contact with the surface and then diffusing or changing the direction of the light. The mechanical mechanism to move the optical element is a simple one in that it only moves the optical element a small distance to change the valve from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: A brightness enhancing reflector to accurately control the light exiting the guide achieves accurate control of the reflected light by extracting light from a limited area of the light guide. The configuration of the reflectors used for the selective extraction determines the nature of the output light. The reflectors are preferably located on a side of the light guide opposite to an output side of the light guide and in conjunction with an electronic display.

Abstract: An optical system with an LED light source utilizes a base with an inverted conical shape to conduct light to a phosphor layer. The phosphor layer emits light from both upper and lower surfaces. The base and a substantially mirror image cap element facilitate efficient extraction of the phosphor-generated light from the optical system so that the output of the system is omni-directional light suitable for common lighting applications. The system is very efficient in that nearly all the light generated by the LED is transmitted to the phosphor layer, and nearly all the light emitted from the phosphor layer is output from the system.

Abstract: An array of light valves switch light by enabling and disabling total internal reflection (TIR) on a surface of the light valve. The disabling of the TIR is accomplished by putting another optical element in contact with the surface and then diffusing or changing the direction of the light. The mechanical mechanism to move the optical element is a simple one in that it only moves the optical element a small distance to change the valve from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: An optical system utilizing a light pipe in which light travels by total internal reflection (TIR) accurately controls the light exiting the pipe. The system achieves accurate control of the reflected light by selectively extracting light from a limited area of the light pipe. The configuration of the reflectors used for the selective extraction of the light determines the nature of the output light. The reflectors are preferably located on an output side of the light pipe. All light output by the system is directed by the reflectors.

Abstract: A flat panel display uses pixels that are turned on or off by the enabling or disabling total internal reflection TIR, of a light guide. A reflective surface directs the switched light towards the viewer. An optional mask can be employed to provide extremely high contrast ratios in low and in high ambient lighting conditions. The elements that enable TIR can be enabled quickly because of their small size and weight, resulting in a very fast switching speed. The fast switching speed allows colors to be generated and displayed in a sequential manner.

Abstract: A light guide with optics accurately controls the light exiting the guide. The device achieves accurate control of the reflected light by extracting light from a limited area of the light guide. The configuration of the reflectors used for the selective extraction determines the nature of the output light. The reflectors are preferably located on a side of the light guide opposite to an output side of the light guide.

Abstract: An array of light valves switch light by enabling and disabling total internal reflection (TIR) on a surface of the light valve. The disabling of the TIR is accomplished by putting another optical element in contact with the surface and then diffusing or changing the direction of the light. The mechanical mechanism to move the optical element is a simple one in that it only moves the optical element a small distance to change the valve from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: A light valve that switches light does so by enabling and disabling total internal reflection (TIR) on a surface of the light valve. The disabling of the TIR is accomplished by putting another optical element in contact with the surface and then diffusing or changing the direction of the light. These valves may be used in an array for a projection system or one at a time. The mechanical mechanism to move the optical element is a simple in that it only moves the optical element a small distance to change the valve from an on position to an off position.

Abstract: A clamping device to hang lighting fixtures includes a hinge mechanism that enables the device to be folded out of the way for storage or for floor or ground use. The clamping device may include foot pads to add stability to the support of the lighting fixture. A curved portion of the main body of the device allows the clamp to secure lighting fixtures to an overhead pipe or rail.

Abstract: A lighting system including a light source, a means of collecting and focusing light from the light source, an aperture, a filter module containing at least one color filter, and an image lens. A light beam from the light source is focused through the aperture to define the image to be projected. The aperture is positioned upstream of the color filter, with the filter and the image lens being deployed in the area of the light beam where the diameter is at a minimum. The filter elements used in the filter module are two stage filters, having a first stage for a pastel level of a particular filter color, and a second stage for a saturated level of the subject color. Each stage has a gradient segment and a solid color segment. The result is a filter element with four regions that blend into each other.

Abstract: A universal automated yoke that accommodates a variety of different sizes and types of lighting fixtures. The yoke includes adjustment mechanisms to accommodate a wide variety of sizes of lighting fixtures. The yoke further includes an adjustment mechanism to correct for various out of balance conditions of the lighting fixtures. The out of balance conditions are typically caused by added components, such as a color changer, that shift the balance point of the fixture. The device automates all the pan and tilt adjustments of the installed light fixture.

Abstract: A light collection system that includes a light source, a condenser lens, a reflector mechanism to collect and focus light from the light source, an aperture, and an image lens. A light beam from the light source is focused through the aperture to define the image to be projected. Ancillary reflector elements can be positioned to collect light not collected by the reflector means. The result is a compact collection system with a smaller image lens and excellent collection efficiency.

Abstract: An in-monitor docking station that enables a portable computer to be quickly and easily installed in a desktop environment includes a desktop monitor, and receives the portable computer through a door in the top of the monitor unit. The docking station is constructed with at least one electrical connector mate that receives the connector(s) of the laptop unit. An ejection mechanism, typically one or more springs, partially ejects the portable computer from the monitor unit when the latching unit actuator button is depressed. The only modification required for any portable computer to be compatible with the in-monitor docking station is a small recess in a bottom surface that receives the latch hook of the latching arm. Any additional components of a desktop system that are desired by the user can of course be added to the in-monitor docking station of the present invention, either in the unit itself, or as a peripheral device.

Abstract: A lighting module that projects various colors, hues and intensities of light, and that can change the divergence and distribution of light. The device includes a light source and a reflector to direct the light along an optic path in a generally parallel direction. The invention does not provide a beam that is parallel or even somewhat parallel. It is intended for applications in which a somewhat diffused beam is required. In addition to the light source, the module comprises a filter assembly with at least one filter therein, and a system diffusion optical element. The filter assembly controls the size and color of the light beam. The system diffusion optical element spreads the light in one or more desired directions so that fewer modules are required to light a given area.

Abstract: A lighting module that modifies a light beam to affect the size and shape and color characteristics of the projected beam includes a light source and a reflector to direct the light along an optic path. The reflector is formed so that light is directed along a light path that is not parallel to a center line of the reflector. A primary lens element reduces the cross section of an effected light region as the light enters a modifying element area in the optic path. Light modifying elements are deployed in varying combinations and to varying degrees to produce the shape, size, and color of light beam desired by the user. The construction of the light modifying elements allows the elements to be physically positioned in the optic path but to have no effect on the light until the elements are rotated so that light modifying element segments align with lens segments of the primary optical element, and the light modifying element or elements change the light being projected from the lighting module.

Abstract: A sliding module for computer components that is most often utilized for internet servers and the like. The module includes an outer housing that provides excellent R/F shielding for the components. A sliding mechanism is mounted on interior sides of the housing, so that the components can be completely enclosed. A sliding drawer is provided to mount the components. The component drawer includes a top panel that covers the open top front portion of the housing to complete the R/F shielding of the device. A rear side of the top panel includes a locking element that meshes with a locking element on a front side of the opening of the housing. The locking elements ensure that the top panel is in the proper position when the module is closed. The component mount also includes detachable securing mechanisms to lock the mount in place within the housing.

Abstract: A lighting module that projects various colors, hues, and intensities of light. The device includes a light source and a reflector to direct the light along an optic path. A primary optical element reduces the cross section of effected light regions as the light enters a filter assembly area in the optic path. Filters in the filter assembly are deployed in varying combinations and to varying degrees to produce the color, hue, and intensity of light desired by the user. The refracting action of the optical element allows the filters to be physically positioned in the optic path but to have no effect on the light until the filters are rotated so that filter segments align with optical segments, and the filter changes the light being projected from the lighting module.

Abstract: A lighting module that diffuses a light beam to modify the size and shape of the projected beam. The device includes a light source and a reflector to direct the light along an optic path. A primary lens element reduces the cross section of an effected light region as the light enters a diffusion assembly area in the optic path. Diffusion elements in the diffusion assembly are deployed in varying combinations and to varying degrees to produce the shape and/or size of light beam desired by the user. The action of the lens element allows the diffusion elements to be physically positioned in the optic path but to have no effect on the light until the diffusion elements are rotated so that diffusion element segments align with lens segments, and the diffusion element changes the light being projected from the lighting module.